Handle connection for vacuum-cleaners.



A. J. STECKER.

HANDLE CONNECTION FOR VACUUM CLEANERS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 22. 1915.

11,234,578 Patented July 24, 1917.

2 SHEET8SHEET 1.

A. J. STECK'ER.

' HANDLE CONNECTION FOR VACUUM CLEANERS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 22. 19l5.

1,23%578. Patented July 24, 1917 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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ALFRED a. STECKER, or nn'riaoir, MICHIGAN, Assrenon 'ro FRED weimnnt, or

DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

HANDLE CON.INECCi'IfJBT FOR VACUUM-CLEANERS.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, ALFRED J. STECKER, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing at Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State ofMichigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in HandleConnections for Vacuum-Cleaners, of which the following isa*specification, reference being had therein to the accompanyingdrawings.

The invention relates to handle connection for vacuum cleaners, and itis one of the objects of the invention to provide a construction whichmay be either stationary or movable in relation to the machine. It is afurther object to provide a simple and durable construction ofelectrical terminal connections, and one which will not interfere withthe mechanical movements of the handle.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the vacuum cleaner showing my improved handleand electrical connector attached thereto;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a section on line w-a2 Fig.1;

Figs. 4 and 5 are sections on line y-y showing respectively the fixedand movable position of the handle; and

Fig. 6 is a section through the inner end of the handleshowing theconnection of the prongs and the electrical conductors.

A is a vacuum cleaner of the type in which the electric motor and fanare housed .in a single casing, which is also provided with a suction tool B and a dust bag (not shown). The tool B has rolls 0 at itsoppositeends and the casing A is further supported by a caster wheel Dat the rear end thereof. I

For moving the machine over the floor it is provided with a handle E,which also forms a support for the dust bag. Ordinarily it is desirableto have th-ishandle at a fixed angle in relation to the machine, thisbeing the most convenient one for proper manipulation and for supportingthe dust bag. There are, however, occasions when it is preferable tohave the handle movable to permit of using the machine under furnitureand in other places where there is not clearance for the handle at itsusual angle.

It is further necessary to provide electrical connections to themachine, the conductors being conveniently arranged Within the-Specification of Letters Patent.

that will permit of the flexing of the handle.

I have devised a construction which fulfils the necessary conditions asabove described, and which specifically is as follows: F designates apair of prongs constituting the inner end portion of the handle, whichprongs embrace the casing A with sufficient clearance for angularmovement. The ends of the prongs are attached to the casing by studs Gwhichare threaded for engagement of clamping nuts H. The prongs areapertured to slidably fit the threaded studs, and the end portions Fthereof are fashioned to extend substantially horizontally when thehandle is at its usual angle. I are parallel ribs forembracing theportions F when the latter are clamped against the casing by tighteningthe nuts H. In this position, as shown in Fig. 4, the handle is rigidlyconnected to the casing A, as theribs I will hold the portions F fromany angular movement. When, however, the nuts H are loosened there issufficient resiliency in the prongs F to cause them to spring outwardbeyond the ,ribs 1, in which position, as shown in Fig. 5 the handle isfree to pivot upon the studs and to be adjusted to any desired angle. r

The electrical conductors for supplying the current to the motor passthrough the Patented July 24, 191W. Application filed July 22, 1915.Serial No. 41,279;

hollow handle E to the point of connection between the same and theprongs F. Here the two conductors Jiand J are separated and pass'aroundthe inner faces of the re spective prongs F, to which they are securedby clips K. At a point but a short distance removed from the studs G,the conductors J and J extend inward and'pass into an insulator housingL where they are connectv Jed to binding posts M. The inward connecfreeto pivot and may be used for pushing the machine beneath beds and otherfurniture.

WVhat I claim asmy invention is t- 1. In a vacuum cleaner, thecombination with a casing provided with a suction nozzle and adapted totravel over a surface to be cleaned, of a handle for said casing,bifurcated to straddle the casing, pivot studs upon the casing engagingapertures in said furcations, a pair of ribs upon the casing at one sidethereof, and clamping means engaged with the stud at said side forretaining the corresponding furcation engaged between said ribs, saidfurcation having a resiliency disengaging it automatically fromengagement with said ribs when released from said clamping means.

2. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination with a casing provided with asuction nozzle and adapted to travel over a surface to be cleaned, ofahandle for said casing bifurcated to straddle the casing, pivot" studsupon the casing engaging apertures in the casing, said furcation havinga resiliency displacing it to automatically break the interlock whenreleased from said clamping means. i

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of twow1tnesses.'-

ALFRED J. STECKER.

Witnesses:

JAMEs P. BAkRY, GEORGE E. MOORE.

